Hosts – Morro Bay Birdhouse

Hosts

Jim grew up in Central California, hence Yosemite, the Westside Wetlands, and the Central Coast are part of his identity. He’s had a lifelong passion for wild animals, and holds multiple degrees in wildlife-related topics. He attended college in northern California (CSU Humboldt), Wisconsin (UW Madison), and Los Angeles (UCLA), and taught at Santa Monica College for more than a decade. He returned to Central California in 2021, when he retired from teaching and research. He began his teaching career at Sacramento State as a lecturer in Ornithology, then became a tenured professor at Santa Monica College, where he taught courses in Zoology, Biology, Environmental Science, and Field Ornithology. His research career centered around game birds and Himalayan forest ecology. He is a former Director of the Game Bird Research Group, and is a leading authority on Himalayan Snowcock and Sierra Sooty Grouse. Since retiring, Jim has become an avid wildlife photographer. Jim’s research career is archived on his personal website, www.Jim-Bland.com, and recent samples of his wildlife photography can be viewed at www.facebook.com/blandwildlife or www.instagram.com/blandwildlife

Mini grew up in India. She came to the U.S. in the 80s to pursue graduate degrees. She studied small mammals at South Dakota State, crane reintroduction at North Dakota State, and Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. She holds doctorates in Zoology and Veterinary Medicine. Her career highlights include positions as Director of Bird Conservation at Audubon California, and Program Officer for International Programs at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She has also taught part-time at Sacramento State and Santa Monica College. Her conservation work has focused on endangered Asian animals.